Model railroad track switching system

ABSTRACT

A model railroad track system including first, second and third portions of model railroad track, and a movable portion of track that is movable between a first and a second position. When the movable portion is in the first position the movable portion is configured to guide a model train from the first portion of track to the second portion of track when the train moves across the movable portion in a direction of travel. When the movable portion is in the second position the movable portion is configured to guide a train from the first portion of track to the third portion of track when the train moves across the movable portion generally in the direction of travel. The system further includes an actuator movable between first and second positions, and wherein the distance between the first and second positions of the actuator constitutes a stroke length. The system also includes a switch adapter operatively coupling the actuator to the movable portion of track such that movement of the actuator from the first to the second position causes the movable portion to move from its first to its second position, wherein the distance moved by the movable portion upon the movement of the actuator differs from the stroke length.

BACKGROUND

Model railroad systems are widely used for recreational purposes, for promotional and display purposes, and for various other purposes. Such model railroad systems may include diverging track portions, with a switch to guide the train onto one or the other of the track portions. Switch machines are commonly used to guide a movable portion of the track to guide the train as desired. However, each switch machine may be configured for use with a particularly sized and arranged track portion, and therefore may only be able to be used with that particular type of track.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, the present invention is a switch adaptor, which allows switch machines to be used with track switches and track portions having various configurations. For example, in one embodiment the invention is a model railroad track system including first, second and third portions of model railroad track, and a movable portion of track that is movable between a first and a second position. When the movable portion is in the first position the movable portion is configured to guide a model train from the first portion of track to the second portion of track when the train moves across the movable portion in a direction of travel. When the movable portion is in the second position the movable portion is configured to guide a train from the first portion of track to the third portion of track when the train moves across the movable portion generally in the direction of travel. The system further includes an actuator movable between first and second positions, and wherein the distance between the first and second positions of the actuator constitutes a stroke length. The system also includes a switch adapter operatively coupling the actuator to the movable portion of track such that movement of the actuator from the first to the second position causes the movable portion to move from its first to its second position, wherein the distance moved by the movable portion upon the movement of the actuator differs from the stroke length.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of one embodiment of the model railroad track switch system of the present invention in an unassembled condition;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the adapter and switch machine of FIG. 1, shown in two different positions;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the system of FIG. 1 in an assembled condition and with the actuator, adaptor and movable track portions in differing positions from that shown in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 4 is a top view of the system of FIG. 3, with the actuator, switch adaptor and movable track portions moved to the position shown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As shown in FIG. 1, in one embodiment the system 10 of the present invention includes a model railroad track system 12 including first 14, second 16 and third 18 track portions. Each portion of track 14, 16, 18 includes a pair of opposed rails 20 with ties 22 extending between the rails 20. The rails 20 are sized and configured to receive the wheels of a particular size or gauge model train thereon. The first or upstream portion of track 14 may be generally parallel with, and arranged end-to-end with, the second portion of track 16. The third portion of track 18 sits at an angle relative to the first 14 and/or second portion 16 of track to diverge away from the first 14 and/or second 16 portions of track. Alternately, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the third portion of track 18 has a radius of curvature and curves away from the first 14 and/or second 16 portions of track.

A movable portion of track 24 having opposed rails 26 a, 26 b is positioned within and/or adjacent to the first 14, second 16 and third 18 portions of track. The movable portion of track 24 is pivotable about a pair of pivot points 28, and the distal ends of the opposed rails 26 a, 26 b are coupled to a movable tie 30. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, when the movable portion 24 is in a first position, the first, or upper rail 26 a of the movable portion 24 is pressed into contact with the first, or upper rail 20 a of the first portion 14. In this position the second, or lower rail 26 b of the movable portion 24 is spaced away from the second or lower rail 20 b of the first portion 14. In this case, a train moving in a first or predetermined direction (i.e., left-to-right in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4) will be guided from the first portion 14 of track to the third portion of track 18 along the aligned upper rails 20 a, 26 b (as shown by arrow 30).

When the movable portion of track 24 is in the second position (shown in FIG. 3), the rail 26 b of the movable portion 24 is pressed against the rail 20 b of the first portion of track 14, and the upper rail 26 a is spaced away from the upper rail 20 a of the first portion 14. In this manner, when a train travels along the track system 12 in the first direction, the train is guided from the first portion 14 to the second portion 16 along the rails 20 b, 26 b as shown by arrow 32. The distance a moved by the distal end of movable portion of track 24 (i.e. carried on the movable track 30), or the gap between the rails, is shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4. As shown in FIG. 1, each tie 22′ on either side of the movable tie 30 may have an opening 34 formed therethrough, having a purpose which will be described below.

A switch machine 40 may be utilized to move the movable tie 30/movable portion of track 24 between its first and second positions. In particular, the switch machine 40 may include a throw arm or actuator 42 that is movable in translational motion between a first and a second position. The distance a point on the actuator 42 moves when the actuator 42 is moved between the first and second positions is defined as a stroke length b of the switch machine/actuator, as shown in FIG. 2. Various different switch machines 40 may have actuators 42 with differing stroke lengths. Moreover, the stroke length b may not always properly correspond to the size of the gap a between the rails. However, the introduction and use of a switch adaptor 44 accommodates switching machines 40 having differing stroke lengths, and allows to use of switch machines 40 having a stroke length b that differs from the size of the gap a.

The switch adaptor 44 may have a base 46 and a pivot arm 48 pivotally coupled to the base 46, the pivot arm 48 having a pair of oval openings 50, 52 at each end thereof. A fastener 53 (such as a screw) may extend through the opening 50 at the pivot end of the arm 48 to pivotally couple the pivot arm 48 to the base 46. The distal end of the pivot arm 48 may be operatively coupled to an extension 54 that is slidably received in a guide track 56 of the base 46. A fastener 58 may extend through the opening 52 at the distal end of the pivot arm 48, and be received in a slot 60 of the extension 54 to operatively couple the distal end of the pivot arm 48 and the extension 54. The arm 48 may include a knuckle 62 extending to one side thereof.

The base 46 of the switch adapter 44 may include a pair of rail flanges 64 extending outwardly therefrom in a direction generally perpendicular to the track system 12 and/or movement of the train. Each flange 64 may include a series of openings 66 therein. At least two openings 66 may be provided in each flange 64, with three openings 66 being shown in the illustrated embodiment. The openings 66 in each single flange 64 are generally aligned (i.e., in a direction generally perpendicular to the track system 12/direction of travel of the train), and each opening 66 of a flange 64 is generally aligned with an opening in the other flange 64 (i.e., in a direction generally parallel to the track system 12/direction of travel of the train).

In order to connect the switch adapter 44 to the track system 12, each flange 64 of the switch adapter 44 is slid below one of the ties 22′ until an opening 66 of each flange 64 is aligned with an opening 34 of the tie 22′. A fastener 68 (FIGS. 3 and 4) is then passed through each pair of aligned openings 66, 34. However, any of a wide variety of coupling mechanisms may be utilized to couple the switch adapter 44 to the track system 12.

The various openings 66 in the flanges 64 of the switch adapter 44 provide flexibility in the position in which switch adaptor is coupled to the track system 12. For example, if the inner holes 66 of the switch adapter 44 (i.e., positioned closest to the base 46) are utilized, the switch adapter 44 can be thereby positioned in a relatively close mounting arrangement relative to the track system 12. However, when the third portion of track 18 has a relatively small radius of curvature (i.e. forms a sharp bend), the third portion of track 18 may block the desired movement of the extension 54. In this case the intermediate (middle) or outer (positioned further from the base 46) holes 66 of the flanges 64 may be utilized to mount the switch adapter 44 in a relatively distant position and provide sufficient clearance. The slot 60 in the extension 54 allows the arm 48 to be coupled to the extension 54 in various configuration to accommodate the various manners in which the adapter 44 can be coupled to the track system 12.

The distal end of the actuator 42 is coupled to the knuckle 62 (or other attachment point) of the pivot arm 48. In particular, in one embodiment the knuckle 62 includes a downwardly-extending pin that is received through the opening 70 of the actuator 42. However, any of a wide variety of coupling mechanisms may be utilized to couple the actuator 42 and pivot arm 48.

The knuckle 62 (or attachment point) may be positioned at any of a variety of locations along the length of the pivot arm 48 to provide a convenient mounting position. For example, the knuckle 62 or attachment point may be positioned between the pivot point/opening 50 and the location at which the arm 48 is coupled to the extension 54, in which case the arm acts a distance multiplier to magnify the movement of the actuator 42. Alternately, however, the knuckle 62 or attachment point may be positioned such that the pivot arm 48 is coupled to the extension 54 at a location between the knuckle/attachment point 62 and the pivot point/opening 50, in which case the pivot arm 48 acts as a distance divisor to effectively reduce the movement of the actuator 42. In any case, the distance moved (or sought to be moved) by the distal end of the arm 48 (and thereby the distance moved or sought to be moved by the extension 54 and the movable portion of track 30), upon movement of the actuator 42 may be proportionally related to (but not necessarily the same as) the stroke length b.

The extension 54 is coupled to the movable tie 30 to thereby operatively couple the actuator 42 and the pivot arm 48 to the movable portion of track 30. In one embodiment, the extension 54 may have downwardly-extending pin (not shown) that is received in an opening 72 (FIG. 1) of the movable tie 30, to thereby couple the extension portion 54 to the movable tie 30. However, any of a wide variety of coupling mechanisms may be utilized to couple the extension 54 and the tie 30.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the switch machine 40 may include a pair of flanges 74, with each flange having an opening 76 formed therethrough. In order to couple the switch machine 40 to the switch adapter 44, each flange 74 is slid below the switch adapter 44, until the holes 76 in the flanges 74 are aligned with corresponding holes 78 in the base 46. Fasteners 80 (FIG. 3 and 4) are passed through the aligned openings 76, 78 to couple to switch machine 40 and switch adapter 44. At this point, the switch assembly 10 is fully assembled and ready for use. However, it should be understood that the various attachments between the switch machine 40, switch adapter 44, extension 54, and movable portion of track 30 can be completed in nearly any order.

In operation, the switch machine 40 may be coupled to an electronic control device, switch device or the like (not shown, but of a common design) that sends electric/electronic controls or signals to the switch machine 40 to cause the actuator 42 to extend or retract. The extension/retraction of the actuator 42 causes the pivot arm 48 to pivot about the pivot point/fastener 53, which in turn causes the extension 54 to move in translation in the groove 56 in a direction generally parallel to movement of the actuator 42. The oval slots 50, 52 of the arm 48 extend in a direction along the length of the arm 48 allow the fasteners 53, 58 received therein to slide along the longitudinal axis of the pivot arm 48 to accommodate the rotational movement of the pivot arm 48.

Movement of the extension 54 thereby causes movement of the movable tie 30, which in turn, causes the movable portion of track 24 to be moved between the first and second positions. Moreover, the switch adaptor 44 can be configured to ensure that the movable portion of track 24 is fully moved between its first and second positions. In particular, as shown in FIG. 1, the distance a traveled by the movable rail 26 b may be, as an example, 7.5 mm, and the stroke length b of the actuator 42 may be 6mm. In this case, the arm 48 acts as a distance multiplier of the actuator 42 such that if movement of the arm 48 were unimpeded the opening 52/distal end of the arm 48 moves a distance of, for example, 9.5 mm (i.e. the arm 48 acts a distance multiplier of about 1.6). The switch adapter 44 thereby enables switch machines having a stroke length b to be utilized with a track system having a gap a that is greater than the stroke length b.

Thus, in the example provided above, the distal end/opening 52 of the arm 48, the extension 54, and the movable tie 30 are all urged by the actuator 42 to be moved a distance of 9.5 mm, which is greater than the gap a. Accordingly, when the gap a is closed the actuator 42 leaves the arm 48, extension 54, and movable tie 30 in a state of tension (or compression, depending upon the position of the switch). Thus, the residual forces in the system ensure that the rails 26 a (or 26 b) are pushed/pulled tight and remain in a fully flush position. By ensuring that the rails 26 a, 26 b of the movable portion 24 are in fully flush position, a train traveling across the switch/movable portion 24 is smoothly guided across the switch/movable portion 24, and any derailings at the switch/movable portion 24 are reduced or minimized. Moreover, as noted above, if desired the switch adapter 44 may be configured as a distance reducer should it be desired to move the movable tie 30 a distance less than the stroke length a of the actuator 42. In either case, however, the distance the movable tie 30 may be urged to move may be greater than the distance moved by the movable rail 30 when shifting positions to ensure a flush arrangement of rails 20, 26.

The switch adapter 44 is usable with various types of switch machines. For example, if a switch machine having a stroke length b of 5 mm were to be used in the example above, the switch adapter 44 may seek to move the movable tie about 8 mm (due to the force multiplier of 1.6 of the switch arm 48). Accordingly, since the distance sought to be moved by the movable portion 24 (8 mm) is greater than the size of the gap a (7.5 mm), a switch machine 40 having a relatively small stroke length can still be effectively used to switch the movable portion of track 24. Of course, switch machines 40 having larger stroke lengths can also be accommodated by the switch adapter 44, as the additional stroke length may simply be taken us as additional tension/compression in the system. The switch adapter 44 is also thereby usable to accommodate rails system having various sized gaps a.

It should be noted that the distance c between the openings 34 of the ties 22′ (FIG. 1) may differ from the distance d between the openings 76 of the flanges 74 of the switch machine 40 (FIG. 2). However, the openings 66 on the flanges 64 of the switch adapter 44 may be spaced part by a distance c, and the openings 78 of the switch adapter 44 may be spaced apart by a distance d. In this manner, the switch adapter 44 is configured to be mounted at one end to the rail system 12 and at the other end to the switch machine 40, thereby allowing the switch machine 40 to be coupled to an unmatched rail system 12 and switch machine. Various switch adapters 44 having various spacings between their openings 66, 78 may thus be manufactured and made available to allow a purchaser to select the appropriately sized/spaced switch adapter 44.

The actuator 42/switch machine 40 may be a relatively “slow-motion” actuator 42/switch machine 40—i.e. it may take at least about 0.5 seconds, or at least about 1 second or more for the actuator 42/switch machine 40 to move between its first and second positions. The slow movement may be accomplished by electrical resistance, mechanical resistance, timers, etc. The slow movement presents a switch which more closely resembles switches used on full-sized railroads, and therefore may provide a more pleasing and realistic appearance.

Moreover, the switch machine 40 may be designed and configured to be water and dust resistant. In particular, a seal or gasket may extend around the entire perimeter of the switch machine 40. In addition, a seal (such as an O-ring or the like) may be positioned about the opening (or openings) through which the actuator 42 extends. Because the opening through which the actuator 42 extends represents a compromise of the otherwise sealed integrity of the switch machine 40, if the opening(s) are sealed then significantly higher water and dust resistance is provided, leading to higher durability and reliability.

Although the invention has been shown and described with respect to certain embodiments, it should be clear that modifications and variations thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the present invention is intended to include all such modifications and variations. 

1. A model railroad track system comprising: first, second and third portions of model railroad track; a movable portion of track that is movable between a first and a second position, wherein when said movable portion is in said first position said movable portion is configured to guide a model train from said first portion of track to said second portion of track when said train moves across said movable portion in a direction of travel, and wherein when said movable portion is in said second position said movable portion is configured to guide a train from said first portion of track to said third portion of track when said train moves across said movable portion generally in said direction of travel; an actuator movable between first and second positions, and wherein the distance between said first and second positions of said actuator constitutes a stroke length; and a switch adapter operatively coupling said actuator to said movable portion of track such that movement of said actuator from said first to said second position causes said movable portion to move from its first to its second position, wherein the distance moved by said movable portion upon said movement of said actuator differs from said stroke length.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein the distance moved by said movable portion upon said movement of said actuator is greater than said stroke length.
 3. The system of claim 1 wherein said first portion of track includes first and second opposed rails, and said movable portion of track includes first and second opposed rails, and wherein said system is configured such that when said actuator is in said first position said first rail of said movable portion is in contact with said first rail of said first portion of track, and when said actuator is in said second position said second rail of said movable portion is in contact with said second rail of said first portion of track.
 4. The system of claim 3 wherein said movable portion of track, said actuator and said switch adapter are configured such that when said actuator is in said first position said second rail of said movable portion is not in contact with said second rail of said first portion of track, and when said actuator is in said second position said first rail of said movable portion is in not contact with said first rail of said first portion of track.
 5. The system of claim 1 wherein said first portion of track includes first and second opposed rails, and said movable portion of track includes first and second opposed rails, and wherein when said movable portion of track is in its first position said second rail of said movable portion of track is spaced away from said second rail of said first portion of track by a gap, and wherein said system is configured such that when said actuator moves from its first to its second positions, said movable portion of track is sought to be moved a distance greater than said gap.
 6. The system of claim 5 wherein said system is configured such that when said movable portion is in its first or second positions, residual forces from said actuator are applied to said movable portion to keep one of said rails of said movable portion flush against one of said rails of said first portion of track.
 7. The system of claim 1 wherein said switch adapter is releasably attachable to at least one of said track portions at varying locations in a direction generally perpendicular to said direction of travel.
 8. The system of claim 1 wherein said switch adapter includes a pair of flanges coupled to an associated tie of one of said track portions, and wherein the system includes a switch machine including said actuator, said switch machine including a pair of flanges coupled to said switch adapter, wherein said flanges of said switch adapter and said flanges of said switch machine are each spaced apart by a distance from the other associated flange, and wherein the distance of said flanges of said switch adapter differs from a distance of said flanges of said switch machine such that said switch adapter adapts said switch machine to be operatively coupled to said one of said track portions.
 9. The system of claim 1 wherein said switch adapter includes a base and a pivot arm pivotally coupled to said base, and wherein said pivot arm operatively couples said actuator to said movable portion of track.
 10. The system of claim 9 wherein said pivot arm is pivotable about a first point along a length of said pivot arm, and wherein said pivot arm is operatively coupled to said movable portion of track at a second point along a length of said pivot arm, and wherein said pivot arm is operatively coupled to said actuator at a third point along a length of said pivot arm, and wherein said third point is positioned generally between said first and said second point.
 11. The system of claim 10 further comprising a extension extending between and operatively coupled to said pivot arm and said movable portion of track, wherein said extension is configured to move in translational motion when said pivot arm is pivoted relative to said base.
 12. The system of claim 1 further comprising a switch machine which includes said actuator, wherein said switch machine is configured to move said actuator upon receipt of an electronic signal.
 13. The system of claim 1 wherein said actuator is movable in translational motion.
 14. The system of claim 1 wherein said movable portion of track is positioned within or immediately adjacent to said first, second and third portions of track.
 15. The system of claim 1 wherein the distance moved by a distal end of said movable portion upon movement of said actuator differs from said stroke length.
 16. A model railroad track system comprising: first, second and third portions of model railroad track; a movable portion of track that is movable between a first and a second position, wherein when said movable portion is in said first position said movable portion is configured to guide a model train from said first portion of track to said second portion of track when said train moves across said movable portion in a first direction, and wherein when said movable portion is in said second position said movable portion is configured to guide said model train from said first portion of track to said third portion of track when said train moves across said movable portion generally in said first direction; an actuator movable between first and second positions; and a switch adapter including a pivot arm operatively coupling said actuator to said movable portion of track such that movement of said actuator from said first to said second position causes said movable portion to move from said first to said second position.
 17. The system of claim 16 wherein said switch adapter includes a base and said pivot arm is pivotally coupled to said base.
 18. The system of claim 17 wherein said pivot arm is pivotable about a first point along a length of said pivot arm, and wherein said pivot arm is operatively coupled to said movable portion of track at a second point along a length of said pivot arm, and wherein said pivot arm is operatively coupled to said actuator at a third point along a length of said pivot arm, and wherein said third point is positioned generally between said first and said second point.
 19. The system of claim 16 wherein the distance sought to be moved by said movable portion upon movement of said actuator is proportionally related to a stroke length of said actuator.
 20. A switch adapter comprising: a base; and a pivot arm pivotally coupled to said base, said pivot arm being configured such that when said pivot arm is operatively coupled to an actuator and to a movable portion of track, pivoting movement of said arm from a first to a second position as caused by said actuator causes said pivot arm to move said movable portion of track from a first to a second position, wherein said pivot arm is pivotable about a first point along a length of said pivot arm, and wherein said pivot arm is configured to be operatively coupled to said movable portion of track at a second point along a length of said pivot arm, and wherein said pivot arm is configured to be operatively coupled to said actuator at a third point along a length of said pivot arm, and wherein said third point is positioned generally between said first and said second point.
 21. The switch adapter of claim 20 further comprising a flange coupled to said base, wherein said flange is attachable to a portion of track at varying locations in a direction generally perpendicular to said portion of track to allow said switch adapter to be mounted to or adjacent to portions of track having varying radii of curvature.
 22. A method for manipulating a model railroad track system comprising: accessing a model railroad track system including first, second and third portions of model railroad track, and a movable portion of track that is movable between a first and a second position to selectively guide a model train from said first portion of track to said second and third portions of track; accessing an actuator movable between first and second positions; and operatively coupling a switch adapter having a pivotable arm to said actuator and to said movable portion of track such that movement of said actuator from said first to said second position causes said pivotable arm to pivot and move said movable portion from said first to said second position. 